HC Deb 08 November 1937 vol 328 cc1378-9
5. Mr. Ellis Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House about the attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government's representative on the sub-committee of 10 when the resolution on air bombing was being considered at the last meeting of the League Assembly?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

I do not know what the hon. Member means by the reference to the sub-committee of 10. I understand that it was not concerned with the resolution on air bombing. The representative of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom on the Advisory Committee took the initiative in urging that the committee should express its view with regard to air bombing and voted for the committee's resolution on the subject, which was subsequently adopted by the Assembly.

Mr. Smith

Is it the fact that when that draft resolution was first submitted the British representative took exception to the word "Japan" being included in the resolution, and, if so, is that in conformity with the policy that is being pursued by the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. Eden

I understand that the hon. Gentleman is referring to what took place in a private committee. Whatever other people say about private committees, I do not propose to make a statement about them.

Mr. Thorne

In view of what is going on in Japan and in Spain, does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is any possibility of doing away with bombing altogether?

Mr. Speaker

That is another question?